Word hit a child as hard as a fist. I know because I lived with a wicked witch, whom I called mother, for nearly twenty years.
The hurt, pain and suffering caused by constant criticism, belittling and insulting behavior takes many years to get over. I did not know until many years later, that she was sexually abused. Could this be what caused her behavior or the way she treated us? I don't know.
My brother and I suffered from such horrors; it is a wonder we made it through. Many folks turn to drugs or alcohol to ease the pain, including myself. However, there is hope, I am proof of that.
These are not all my stories; some were told to me by acquaintances and people in AA.